Ti(IV) oxalate complex-derived hierarchical hollow TiO2 materials with dye degradation properties in water

Ti(IV)-based complexes have been demonstrated as candidates for preparing hybrid and functional materials, and have received considerable attention. In this paper, hierarchical hollow titania materials with different surface nanostructures were synthesized successfully using a hydrothermal process via the transformation of a Ti(IV) oxalate complex as a precursor. Different concentrations of ammonia were used to adjust the morphologies and crystalline forms of the hydrothermal products. The hierarchical hollow anatase titania materials, HHTM-1 (cal) and HHTM-2 (cal), have high surface areas of up to 132 m2 g−1 and 84 m2 g−1, respectively, and show superior performance for dye degradation in water.